Thames Path walking holiday, Cotswolds to London

Description of Thames Path walking holiday, Cotswolds to London

Take two weeks to complete the Thames Path on this tailor made itinerary and you’ll have navigated the 290kms length of the River Thames all the way from Kemble in the Cotswolds to Greenwich in London, or the other way round.

Starting at the Thames Barrier in London, or at the other end at the river source at Thames Head in the Cotswolds, you’ll follow a series of well-marked sign posts as the Thames flows through a fascinating collection of famous cities and not so well known country towns and villages.

This is one of the UK’s national walking routes and relaxed daily distances, around 19kms, on level gradients, make this an excellent walking holiday for those who favour sightseeing and scenery over challenging climbs and ascending/descending undulations.

UK nationals will benefit from two weeks on the Thames Path just as much as visitors from overseas and if you’re looking for a peaceful perspective of London then this well-trodden walking path provides the perfect place to start. Of course, cities such as Oxford are just as renowned for life on the river banks and a quick glance at your self-guided walking notes will point you in the right direction of some excellent options for lunch or an evening meal.

Bed & breakfast accommodation has been hand-picked to ensure you not only get a great night’s rest but also don’t have to stray too far from the trail at the start and completion of each day. Thanks to a transfer vehicle, your luggage will be ready and waiting for you on arrival and detailed maps and trip notes make knowing where to go a scenic and cultural education rather than a stressful 'heads down' alternative.

A rest day is also an excellent idea if you’re looking to take it easy or opt for sightseeing, with Windsor, Oxford and London all conjuring up a wonderfully varied day’s itinerary without the need for hiking boots and water bottles.

As you walk into England’s capital the sight of the Tower of London and the Houses of Parliament more than adds to the occasion with options to pause at Kew Gardens and Hampton Court, both of which are on the Thames Path, certain to resonate with history loving hikers.

From cobbled stone streets and willow adorned river banks to thundering thoroughfares and national treasures, this everso English walking holiday is packed full of surprising contrasts and certain to keep spirits lifted and interests peeked every step of the way.

An alternative to taking two weeks to walk the Thames Path is to split the route in half and walk from London to Reading, one week, followed by Reading to the Thames Head, on a separate occasion. You can also undertake the walk in the opposite direction; the choice is entirely up to you. Alternatively, why not simply select a section of the Thames Path and then enjoy a long weekend of walking from one B&B to the next? You can also walk for longer or for shorter lengths of time. This is a tailor made walking holiday so pick your pace and we’ll personalise an itinerary, just for you.

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